Researchers pinpoint Lewis & Clark campsite near Missoula, Montana

The Bismark Tribune (AP), 27 January 2004

Historians and scientists have found physical evidence that pinpoints the
campsite that Meriwether Lewis dubbed Travelers' Rest in 1805.


The five-year study may persuade the National Park Service to correct the
location it listed years ago -- off by a mile and a half -- in the national
register of historic places.


The national register locates the campsite at the confluence of Lolo Creek
and the Bitterroot River. The new evidence puts the site a mile and a half
up the creek from the river.


"This is now accepted as the true campsite," said Dale Dufour, vice
president of the Travelers' Rest Chapter of the Lewis and Clark Trail
Heritage Foundation.


Missoula archaeologist Dan Hall will detail the findings at a news
conference on Feb. 5.


The site joins a very small list of locations along the 8,000-mile length
of the Lewis and Clark Trail where physical evidence of the expedition has
been found. At Pompeys Pillar near Billings, William Clark carved his name
in the sandstone pillar in 1806 as the expedition returned from the Pacific
Ocean.


In 1989, archaeologists used magnetometry, radio carbon dating and other
techniques to locate another campsite near Great Falls at what's known as
the Lower Portage site. That site contained several fire rings and evidence
that the expedition had camped there for some time.


Travelers' Rest is now designated a state park.


Indians had camped there for untold years. An Indian guide called Toby
brought Lewis and Clark to the site in September 1805 to prepare for
crossing the Bitterroot Mountains.


The Corps of Discovery spent three days at Travelers' Rest before beginning
the near-fatal, 11-day crossing of the Bitterroots. They returned to spend
June 30 and July 1, 2 and 3, 1806, to rest before heading home.


Historians and scientists used a variety of methods to prove the exact
location of Travelers' Rest.


Aerial infrared photography showed evidence of tepee rings. Historical
research matched coordinates of latitude and longitude recorded by Lewis
and Clark. Archaeological digs turned up a latrine, a late-18th century
button and lead.


Vapor analysis verified the presence of mercury beneath the old latrine.
Mercury, which does not decompose, was the major ingredient in a powerful
laxative carried on the expedition.


Surrounded by a rapidly developing residential area, the campsite was
designated one of the nation's most endangered historic places in 1999.
That helped attract a grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation,
allowing the Conservation Fund to buy 15 acres believed to be the heart of
the campsite.


The Conservation Fund immediately donated the site to the Montana
Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks for use as a state park.


Smoke (Michael A.) Pfeiffer, RPA
Ozark-St. Francis National Forests
605 West Main Street
Russellville, Arkansas 72801
(479) 968-2354  Ext. 233
e-mail:  [log in to unmask]

It is easier to get forgiveness than permission.